Iceland Complete
Iceland Complete
- Departure Date:
- Selected dates May-Sep
- Price:
-
from USD $3,355/pp
From: Reykjavik, Iceland
To: Reykjavik, Iceland
Discover the world’s largest lava mass in Cross Eldhruan and later continue to the birthplace of icebergs; Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park.
*Based on a maximum of 16 passengers
Day 1 – Reykjavik
Arrive into Reykjavik and make your own way to the group hotel. We can arrange transfers for you or additional nights in Reykjavik if you would like to extend your time.
Overnight: Reykjavik (Berjaya Hotel Reykjavik Natura or similar)
Day 2 – Thingvellir National Park – Geysir – Gullfoss
Start your Iceland adventure with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. You’ll then meet your guide to begin your journey.
After a brief introduction to our home city, Reykjavik, we’ll set off for Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, located within Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds historical significance as it was the birthplace of the world’s oldest ongoing parliamentary government, dating back to the 10th century. Notably, Thingvellir is also the meeting point of the North American and European tectonic plates, providing you with the unique opportunity to walk between two continents.
Your adventure continues to Gullfoss, aptly named the “Golden Waterfall.” Here, you can explore various walking paths that offer picturesque views of the stunning double-tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing memorable photographs. Additionally, you’ll visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area, home to the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as a plethora of other hot springs and bubbling mud pools.
Throughout the day, you’ll gain insight into Icelandic local life. You’ll have the chance to visit an Icelandic family farm specializing in the organic cultivation of tomatoes using geothermal energy. Explore the greenhouse, and indulge in the sweet, homegrown Icelandic tomatoes produced on the farm.
Your day concludes in Hveragerdi, a charming town situated within an active geothermal area. Local residents have ingeniously harnessed the power of underground hot springs to supply heat for homes, as well as to nurture greenhouses cultivating flowers, fruits, and vegetables. This combination of natural wonders and local innovation will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Iceland’s unique character.
Overnight: Hveragerdi area (Hotel Ork or similar) (B, D)
Day 3 – Thjorsardalur Valley – Skogar – Dyrholaey – Vik
After breakfast, explore enchanting Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, you’ll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. The area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4.
Drive along the scenic farmlands of Iceland’s South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. Continue to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. End the day in Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town.
Overnight: Vik area (Hotel Vik or similar) (B, D)
Day 4 – Vatnajokull National Park – Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon – Hofn
Today you will be in a world of glaciers! You’ll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. You’ll also see Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull.
Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you’ll enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (must be booked in advance). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.
Your overnight is in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Dinner is on your own. Hofn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters).
Overnight: Hofn area (Hotel Hofn or similar) (B, D)
Day 5 – Hofn – East Fjords – Egilsstadir
Breakfast at your hotel. Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. We’re sure you’ll love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik. Your group will visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. The local community came together in 2017 to transform a rustic warehouse into a charmingly quirky brewery. You’ll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small Icelandic town, as well as see how great beer is made.
The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Iceland’s largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster.
Overnight: Egilsstadir area (Hotel Hallormsstadur or similar) (B, D)
Day 6 – Lake Myvatn Area
Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Modrudalsoraefi, desolate and yet hauntingly beautiful, as you head towards the Lake Myvatn area. Your route takes you by a historical Modrusalsoraefi; it is located at the highest altitude of any working farm in Iceland. Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. We often feel like we are visiting another planet when we come here, and you may the same way. It’s such a surreal experience!
Walk along the pseudo craters at Skutustadir and peek into Grjotagja, a cave with underground hot springs. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. They look as if they were built by fantasy creatures. Legend has it that elves live here, so be respectful during your visit.
You’ll definitely see why the surreal Myvatn area has become so popular as a movie location.
Overnight: Myvatn area (Fosshotel Myvatn or Icelandair Hotel Myvatn) (B, D)
Day 7 – Lake Myvatn Area – Akureyri – Siglufjordur – Skagafjordur
Start your day’s adventure with a visit to magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Iceland’s most important symbols. Afterwards, you’ll see Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. After spending some free time in Akureyri, you’ll continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. You’ll surely be amazed at the steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and its black sand coastline.
Stop in Siglufjordur, a town with some of the country’s most beautiful timber buildings. Visit the town’s award-winning Herring-Era Maritime Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a frontier-like boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. The museum will transport you back to that exciting time.
Head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to your overnight in Skagafjordur, a scenic region full of historical sites and folk tales.
Overnight: Northwest area (Hofsstadir Country Hotel or Hotel Mikligarour) (B, D)
Day 8 – Skagafjordur – Borgarnes
Icelanders consider the Skagafjordur area to be one of the country’s finest places for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. This horse breed has remained unchanged since Viking times.
Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau taking you into West Iceland. Drive through Borgarfjordur, a region that has been getting international recognition for its lovely volcanic and wooded scenery and for its Viking history. Walk up to the top of Grabrok crater for an amazing view. Listen to the powerful rushing waters of Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring area. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where brightly blue water rushes through black lava formations. Nearby is Barnafoss, a waterfall with even more brilliantly blue colors. There is an interesting and poignant legend associated with this waterfall.
Overnight: Borgarfjordur area (Fosshotel Reykholt or Hotel Hamar) (B, D)
Day 9 – Borgarfjordur – Snaefellsjokull National Park – Reykjavik
Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park’s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, you’ll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations.
One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snaefellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula.
At the end of the afternoon, your journey leads back to Reykjavik. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.
Overnight: Reykjavik (Berjaya Hotel Reykjavik Natura or similar) (B, D)
Day 10 – Reyjavik
Your tour ends after breakfast and check out at the hotel. We are happy to assist with ongoing arrangements, please contact your Reservations Consultant.
Tour Highlights & Inclusions
- 8 day guided coach tour as per itinerary
- Expert local English-speaking guide or driver-guide
- 9 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and private facilities
- Visit to Fridheimar Geothermal Greenhouse
- Visit to Stöng Viking Longhouse
- Microbrewery visit and beer tasting in Breiðdalsvík
- Entrance to the Herring Museum
- Horse show in Skagafjörður
- Meals as per itinerary
Departure Dates
21 May – 30 May 2024
Pre-voyage tour before Iceland, Jan Mayen, Svalbard (IJS003S), departing 30 May 2024
25 June – 4 July 2024
Pre-voyage tour before Greenland Odyssey (GOD002S), departing 6 July 2024 (2 night gap)
Post-voyage tour after Jewels of the Arctic (GRN044G), departing 7 July 2024 (3 night gap)
9 July – 18 July 2024
Pre-voyage tour before Jewels of the Arctic (GRN043S), departing 23 June 2024 (2 night gap)
Post-voyage tour after Arctic Complete (ACC008G), departing 20 July 2024 (2 night gap)
23 July – 1 August 2024
Pre-voyage tour before Jewels of the Arctic (GRN044G), departing 7 July 2024 (2 night gap)
Prices quoted here are for a maximum of 16 passengers.
TOTAL PRICE per person (Twin Share) from USD $3,355
**Single traveler pricing available on request.